Ghanaian Fuel Tanker Drivers Call Off Strike After Agreement on Improved Service Conditions

Fuel tanker drivers in Ghana have ended their sit-down strike, which was initiated over unsatisfactory conditions of service.

The Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union announced an indefinite sit-down strike on Tuesday, demanding better working conditions, particularly in terms of remuneration. The strike caused significant disruptions in fuel distribution across the country.

Following a crucial meeting with all relevant stakeholders, the tanker drivers issued a communiqué to call off the strike. The communiqué highlighted that a framework for their remuneration has been agreed upon and its implementation is expected to commence by the end of June 2024.

Graphic Online's Benjamin Xornam Glover reported from Tema on Tuesday that union members expressed their frustrations at a press conference. They noted that despite an already agreed policy framework aimed at enhancing their salaries and other working conditions, which has been pending since November 2023, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and the sector Ministry had delayed its implementation.

The union's decision to strike was driven by the NPA and the sector Ministry’s reluctance to enact the agreed-upon policy, which led to widespread discontent among the tanker drivers. The recent meeting has now resolved these issues, promising a timely implementation of the new remuneration framework.

With the strike called off, fuel distribution is expected to return to normal, alleviating concerns of fuel shortages and stabilizing supply chains across Ghana.